1993 Dodge Caravan Balancer Not Turning

DODGE CARAVAN
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SISTABLUZ
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  • 1 POST
1993 Dodge Caravan; 272,000; 3.3L
Driving to work this morning, the battery light, check engine & check gauges lights all came on & the power steering quit working.

However, the motor continued to run good; drove the 11 miles back home, expecting a broken belt & wondering why it wasn't running hot.

Opened the hood & found belt in tact, not moving with all external pieces also not moving, nor the harmonic balancer BUT the motor continued to run well.

How can this be??
Jan 26, 2007 at 12:04 PM
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CARUNDELL
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 602 POSTS
[quote:4f60ce7000="SistaBluz"]1993 Dodge Caravan; 272,000; 3.3L
Driving to work this morning, the battery light, check engine & check gauges lights all came on & the power steering quit working.

However, the motor continued to run good; drove the 11 miles back home, expecting a broken belt & wondering why it wasn't running hot.

Opened the hood & found belt in tact, not moving with all external pieces also not moving, nor the harmonic balancer BUT the motor continued to run well.

How can this be??[/quote:4f60ce7000]

Hey sista!
If this is the case than it sounds like the balancer failed! Some balancers have a rubber or neoprene insert between the actual belt pulley and the part that is secured to the crankshaft. The insert can separate resulting in your condition. Let us know!

Chris
Jan 26, 2007 at 8:12 PM
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LEGITIMATE007
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 5,121 POSTS
please do not drive this vehicle any longer. untill you have your problem fixed. it will cause major failure if you continue to do so :wink:
Nov 30, 2007 at 2:26 AM

Suggested Repair

Do not drive the vehicle. The harmonic balancer has likely failed where the rubber insert between the pulley and crankshaft hub separated, so the belt and accessories no longer turn. Replace the harmonic balancer before driving again to avoid major engine damage.

Conversation Summary

On a 1993 Dodge Caravan 3.3L, the battery, check engine, and check gauges lights came on and power steering quit, yet the engine kept running. The belt was intact but not moving, and the harmonic balancer and external accessories were not turning. An expert said the balancer's rubber insert had separated from the crankshaft hub and advised not driving until it is replaced.

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